South Cambridgeshire District Council officers have been asked for details on how they scored faith groups bidding for land in Northstowe new town

Council officers have been asked to show how they scored two bids from religious groups for use of land in a Cambridgeshire new town. Northstowe is planned to be the largest new town since Milton Keynes with 10,000 homes, 1,700 of which are already built and occupied.

Land to be used by faith and community groups was allocated as part of an agreement with the developer when the proposal was approved. Two groups submitted bids for use of the land – Northstowe Church Network (NCN), a Christian group with support from Northstowe Muslims, and Hindu Samaj Northstowe (HSN).

For several years, Cambridgeshire’s Hindu community has been without a dedicated space for spiritual process after their Mill Road temple was shut in 2019 due to water damage.

Council officers said their bidding criteria was based on the group’s local association, charitable status, the feasibility of their plans and a guarantee that a shared space be open to all other groups “regardless of faith, belief or lifestyle”.

A panel of eight officers, six from South Cambridgeshire District Council and two external specialists, scored both bids with the Northstowe Church Network winning out. Their bid received a score of 81% while Hindu Samaj Northstowe’s bid was given 65%.

The council’s scrutiny and overview committee were asked to approve the recommendation to the cabinet that the bid be accepted but questioned how the panel came to their figures.

Cllr Heather Williams, the Conservative opposition group leader, said: “I can see the bid but what I can’t see is the scoring for the matrix, where can I find that information? Surely how can you assess and scrutinise if you haven’t actually got the results of that process?”

Monitoring officer Katevu Nurainatta said the scoring “wasn’t directly requested by scrutiny as a whole” but it could be provided on a confidential paper.

Cllr Dr Lisa Redrup, lead cabinet member for healthy communities, said it was left to officers to assess, come up with their scores and give their recommendation. She said it was the job of scrutiny to determine if policy had been followed and pass the recommendations on to the cabinet.

She said: “I’m not sure in my opinion if you would need to see all the details of what has happened to be able to make that determination.”

Cllr Dr Richard Williams, chair of the committee, said the officer’s assessment of the recommended bid was just 151 words long.

He said: “Now I assume that the value of the land at least in commercial terms that’s being disposed of here is significant, hence the need for the secretary of state’s consent. We are proposing that the cabinet makes a decision of that significance on the basis of a 151 word summary which doesn’t include much detail.”

Cllr Heather Williams said she felt the cabinet “cannot make a good decision” with the information from the report. She said: “We don’t need the granular, we don’t need who said what or anything like that.

“But, in order to come to the top figures – those figures were calculated somehow and I think it’s important that scoring is before the cabinet before they make a decision.”

The committee added a recommendation to provide further details of the assessment.

The full New State Pension rose by 4.8 per cent in April to £12,548 – just £22 below the Personal Allowance

Advertisement

An increasing number of elderly individuals are expected to face income tax obligations as the State Pension climbs to within £22 of the Personal Allowance this year. The full New State Pension rose to £12,548 annually in April following a 4.8 per cent uplift under the Triple Lock, which ensures yearly increases aligned with earnings growth, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or 2.5 per cent – whichever proves highest.

While the enhancement means those retired are nearly £1,300 better off than had the State Pension merely increased with CPI inflation at 3.8 per cent, it also leaves many perilously close to incurring income tax. It is crucial to note that individuals whose only income stream is the State Pension will not face tax.

Nevertheless, with the Personal Allowance frozen at £12,570 until April 2031, pensioners now require merely £22 of supplementary income before they begin paying income tax.

This represents a stark shift from several years ago. During the 2021/22 tax year, pensioners could receive over £3,200 on top of their State Pension before breaching the tax threshold.

Fresh analysis from Vanguard demonstrates the impact is already being experienced. The number of taxpayers aged 66 and above has surged from 6.7million in 2021/22 to 8.8million in the previous tax year – a rise of nearly 2.1million individuals, reports the Daily Record.

James Norton, head of retirement and investments at Vanguard, cautions the most recent State Pension increase is likely to drag even more retirees into the tax system, especially those with modest private pensions or savings income. He explained: “The value of the Triple Lock is clear, with the inflation-busting increase confirmed.

“Our analysis shows that those receiving the full new State Pension are almost £1,300 better off compared to if there was just an inflation link in place.

“But with the Personal Allowance frozen, many pensioners will find they are paying tax for the first time or paying more than expected. A considered approach to retirement income is essential to avoid unnecessary tax.”

With the State Pension now accounting for nearly all of the tax-free allowance, retirees are being advised to manage any additional income with care.

This may encompass earnings from private pensions, savings interest or investments, all of which could push total income beyond the tax threshold.

Experts at Vanguard warn that withdrawing too heavily from private pensions risks triggering avoidable tax bills, while keeping money invested for longer could help limit tax exposure.

Couples are additionally being urged to plan their finances jointly, making full use of both partners’ allowances and potentially lowering their overall tax liability.

The figures shine a light on an increasingly pressing concern for older people, whereby rising State Pension payments are being counteracted by frozen tax thresholds — drawing ever more retirees into the income tax net each year.

Dr Amir Khan explains how hormonal changes can cause women to gain belly fat and weight around the tummy

Advertisement

A doctor has explained why women tend to develop belly fat as they get older, describing it as a “normal” aspect of ageing. The expert said women can anticipate changes in their weight distribution as they grow older.

In a clip from his podcast No Appointment Necessary, posted to his Instagram account, Dr Amir Khan offered some reassurance regarding weight fluctuations before and after the menopause. He described how fat is stored differently across the body as a result of this hormonal shift.

Menopause is a natural life stage that usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It takes place when hormone levels in the body decline to a point where periods stop altogether.

As a result of these hormonal changes, the body can go through a wide array of symptoms that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. These include hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog.

Yet it can also influence how your body distributes fat. On the podcast, his co-host Cherry Healey said: “Lots of women find that when they go through perimenopause and menopause, they gain weight.”

Dr Amir responded: “So, before the menopause, fat distribution in women is usually around the hips, thighs, and buttock area. And that fat distribution is completely normal and healthy and women should have fat there, you don’t want to lose it.”

He explained why. “It’s really good for your fertility,” he said.

“It’s really good for your overall health. It is expected and needed.” However, following menopause, you may find yourself more susceptible to weight gain around the abdomen. Dr Amir continued: “After the menopause, as the hormones shift, things change.

“And that fat usually deposits around the tummy area and the hips as well and so people can refer to it as a ‘meno belly’. It’s not really a great term but it is just the shift of weight, really.”

He added: “Normal, natural, not the end of the world, part of being a woman, an adult woman.” His guidance aligns with the NHS website, which states: “Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common.

“It often happens around the stomach and upper body.”

Other symptoms of menopause

The other symptoms of menopause, as listed by the NHS, include:

• Changes to your periods
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes, poor memory and brain fog
• Vaginal problems such as dryness, a burning feeling, irritation or itching in and around the vagina
• UTIs (urinary tract infections)
• A faster, slower or more noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
• Weakening bones (loss of bone density), which can lead to osteoporosis
• Feeling the need to pee more or not being able to control when you pee (urinary incontinence)
• Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
• Muscle aches and joint pains
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Skin changes, including dry and itchy skin
• Reduced sex drive (loss of libido)
• Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems

The health body says you should contact your GP if:

• You think you have symptoms of menopause or perimenopause and want to know what your options are
• You have symptoms like a fast heartbeat (palpitations)
• You still have periods but your bleeding pattern has changed and you’re bleeding more, not less, than before
• You have not had a period for 12 months or more, and you have any vaginal bleeding

The most commonly prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Wilson Vets, located on Tenters Street, has launched a dedicated rehabilitation service with a focus on supporting recovery, mobility, and long-term wellbeing in pets.

The service combines physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to offer a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and preventative healthcare.

Wilson Vets in Bishop Auckland has introduced specialist physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services for dogs and cats (Image: Chris Booth)

Claire Bake, practice manager at Wilson Vets, said: “The combination of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can be life-changing for some pets.

“From helping dogs walk confidently again after surgery to supporting weight loss and improving mobility in older pets, these services are about giving animals the best possible quality of life.”

Wilson Veterinary Practice, Bishop Auckland. The vets now have a hydrotherapy pool together with physio and hydrotherapist Ellie Campbell. Border terrier Stark undergoes a physio assessment. (Image: Chris Booth)

The service is led by a qualified physiotherapist with a degree in animal physiotherapy and further qualifications in hydrotherapy and laser.

It is designed to support pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, and neurological conditions.

Older animals with arthritis and those needing help with weight management or general fitness are also eligible for treatment.

Wilson Veterinary Practice, Bishop Auckland. The vets now have a hydrotherapy pool together with physio and hydrotherapist Ellie Campbell. Border terrier Stark undergoes a physio assessment. (Image: Chris Booth)

Hydrotherapy uses warm water and low-impact exercise to help pets build strength, improve mobility and regain confidence while reducing strain on painful joints and muscles.

The launch means local pet owners no longer need to travel long distances to access specialist rehabilitation services.

Tailored treatment plans are now available as part of their pet’s ongoing veterinary care.

Ms Bake said: “By offering both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy under one roof, we can provide a truly joined-up approach to care.

“Every pet is different, so we create tailored rehabilitation programmes to suit their individual needs, helping them recover, regain confidence, and enjoy a more active, comfortable life.”

The service is also available to healthy pets looking to improve fitness, maintain mobility and support their long-term wellbeing.

Paul Quinn, now 52, was 29 years old when, on his way home from a night out in Farnworth, he followed a lone woman and dragged her to a secluded motorway embankment and raped her.

His devastating crime in July 2003 would lead to one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history when security guard Andrew Malkinson was jailed in Quinn’s place.

Nearly 23 years later, a packed courtroom at Manchester Crown Court heard Quinn’s actions had devastated two lives that night.

A statement from the woman he had raped said: “After 20 years, I now have justice, but that does not change the fact that two lives have been impacted in such a way.

Andrew Malkinson wrongly spent 17 years on jail for Paul Quinn’s crimes (Image: PA)

“I am aware that someone has been robbed of 17 years of his life as a result of this case.”

Her statement said that after the attack on her by Quinn: “I live in constant fear that someone is behind me, even in places where other people wouldn’t feel at risk.”

She said that she has been left in fear during normal activities like shopping and family holidays.

Her statement said: “For him it was one night of his life, for me it was one night that changed my life”.

Quinn watched on in silence and with no show of emotion from the dock as the statement was read out and as John Price KC, prosecuting, brought home his actions.

Paul Quinn committed the rape in 2003 (Image: GMP)

Mr Price said: “This was a lady who was swept from a public place to a secluded place.

“She was taken to a place where nobody would know where she was, and she was at his mercy; she was beyond help.”

For 23 years, Quinn denied his crimes even after Mr Malkinson, a security guard at the Ellesmere Shopping Centre, was arrested, tried and wrongly convicted.

Mr Malkinson was not present in court, but Mr Price said the court also had to take into account the devastation caused to the innocent man, who was only freed in 2020.

While Mr Malkinson was still in jail, evidence showed that by 2019, Quinn had been monitoring his case with internet searches.

Mr Price said: “In the end, it is a question of causation whether it can be said that the harm caused was by the actions of this defendant.”

He added: “There is a clear inference that between those dates he was monitoring that case for his own sake.”

Paul Quinn in his police interview (Image: GMP)

Quinn was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of choking with intent to rape after a trial earlier this year.

Lisa Wilding KC, defending, said the arrest and conviction of Mr Malkinson had come about because of other means and that Quinn had not directly implicated him.

She said that Quinn, now of Whipton Barton Road, Exeter, had not been convicted of any other crimes since 2003.

Ms Wilding said: “The simple fact is that he has not offended in that way since.”

She added: “Almost all of his adult life has passed since before.”

Mr Justice Robert Bright said he regarded the woman at the centre of the case not as a victim but as a “hero” for twice putting herself through the legal process.

He said: “It is she, not you, Paul Quinn, whom I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Paul Quinn has finally been jailed (Image: GMP)

He added: “She, far above any of the police or the lawyers or the DNA scientists, is the hero of this story.”

Mr Justice Bright noted that the evidence showed that Quinn, long before anyone else, knew about “the horrible fate of Mr Malkinson”.

He said: “It is utterly clear that you knew throughout that another man had been arrested, convicted and imprisoned.”

Mr Justice Bright also noted that Quinn’s rape of the woman was “unusually violent, even by the standards of stranger rape”.

Quinn, who stood in the dock in a black jumper, white shirt and blue jeans, appeared to show no emotion as Mr Justice Bright sentenced him.

Andrew Malkinson was finally freed in 2023 and his conviction was quashed in 2023 (Image: PA)

He was jailed for 21 years with an extension of three years, coming to a total of 24 years.

He will serve at least two-thirds of the custodial element in prison, coming to 14 years.

Quinn appeared to briefly blow out his cheeks as he went down to the cells in silence.

Mr Justice Bright closed by thanking all those who had brought the case against him, in particular the woman he had raped and who gave evidence against him.

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “When Paul Quinn attacked and raped a lone woman late that night in July 2003, he knew what he had done. He knew his crime was horrific, and he knew how cowardly he was for watching another man go to prison.

“Twenty years later, he denied it – telling us he would have been ashamed of committing such an offence. Well, tonight I hope that shame runs deep to his core.

“We know this outcome has come two decades too late for those impacted by this case. However, we will not allow time to be a barrier to justice for anyone who has further information about Paul Quinn and any further potential sexual offending.

“To commit such a violent attack raises concerns that there may be other victims out there.

“If you believe you have been a victim or have information you have not yet shared with us, please know we want to hear from you. We promise you that we will support you and we will listen to you.”